Drivers Cars Demolition Derbies Held Eslpod People Oval

Some people like to go to the "racetrack" (an oval path used for competitions of speed) to see high-performance cars race against each other. But other people prefer to see cars be destroyed in "demolition derbies."

A "derby" is a horse race, but a "demolition derby" is an event where drivers try to "demolish" (destroy) each other's cars. Demolition derbies are usually held on a field or in an "open-air" (without a roof) "stadiums" (large oval or circular areas with raised seating all around, typically used for sporting events or large concerts). Usually there are at least five drivers and cars competing against each other. The drivers "deliberately" (on purpose; intentionally) try to "ram" (hit forcefully and directly) each other's vehicles. The winner is the driver of the car that is still "operational" (able to be driven) after the other cars are no longer working.

A few rules try to protect the drivers from serious injury. For example, all glass is "prohibited" (not allowed), so the windows must be removed before the demolition derby begins. And drivers are not allowed to ram the area around the "driver's side door" (the door closest to where the driver sits). This area is often painted with a bright color so that other drivers can avoid it. In addition, the dirt field is usually "sprayed down" (covered with some water) so that it becomes muddy, which slows down the cars and makes the "impact" (hit) less forceful and less damaging.

The first demolition derbies may have been held in the 1930s, but they became popular in the 1950s. Today, they are mostly held at "state fairs" (rural community celebrations) and similar festivals.